Sand Dropseed
Warm-season perennial grass growing 30-100 cm tall. Features fine-textured foliage and open, airy seed heads. Prefers dry, sandy soils and full sun. Extremely drought-tolerant. Provides food and cover for wildlife. Excellent for erosion control on sandy sites, dunes, and in xeriscaping. Self-seeds readily in suitable conditions. Native to most of North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Purplish
Bloom Time: Mid to Late-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Growth begins late May. Airy flower panicles develop July-August. Seeds mature September. Tan foliage persists through winter.
Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by songbirds and small mammals; provides cover for ground birds; nesting material for birds
Habit Over Time: Forms tidy clumps that gradually expand from the center. While it self-seeds readily in open soil, it does not spread aggressively through rhizomes. The fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles create elegant structural elements. Works well in groups or drifts.
Height: Medium (1-3 feet)